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Broadband ExpansionMarch 19, 2024
Spectrum Awarded Grants for Houston and Geneva Counties, Alabama
$18 Million Buildout Would Connect More Than 2,500 Homes and Small Businesses to Gigabit Broadband with Starting Speeds of 300 Mbps
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DOTHAN, Ala. — Spectrum today announced it has been awarded two Alabama Capital Projects Fund Grants of more than $9.9 million to bring gigabit high-speed internet access to more than 2,500 homes and small businesses in Houston and Geneva Counties. Combined with the state grant, the total project investment, including more than $8.1 million from Spectrum, is more than $18 million.
“High-speed internet has improved the lives of many families, and rural parts of Geneva County that have gone without this connectivity will soon have fast, reliable, and affordable Spectrum internet access through the state’s latest ARPA grants,” said state Sen. Donnie Chesteen. “This is a great benefit for Alabama’s 29th District residents in Geneva and Houston counties, and has been my priority since 2018.”
The grant is one of 23 grants awarded to Spectrum to expand fiber-optic broadband infrastructure to areas of the state that currently lack access to high-speed connections. The grants will bring broadband to nearly 21,000 additional homes and small businesses across Alabama.
“Families and business will soon have access to resources and opportunities that could not be possible without access to quality, affordable internet,” said state Rep. Jeff Sorrells. “I’m grateful to the state for allocating additional ARPA funds for broadband, and I look forward to a productive partnership with Spectrum to expeditiously expand its network to currently unserved homes and businesses.”
Alabama’s Capital Projects Grants further expand Spectrum’s rural construction initiative, the centerpiece of which is the company’s approximately $5 billion investment in unserved rural communities, which includes more than $1 billion won in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) auction. The company’s RDOF expansion will provide broadband access to 1.3 million customer locations across 24 states.
“Gov. Ivey, her administration and the Alabama Legislature have shown tremendous leadership in embracing public-private partnerships as a vital strategy for connecting unserved communities,” said Taylor Vice, Sr. Director of Government Affairs at Charter. “We applaud Alabama officials in helping us bridge the digital divide and make a meaningful difference for residents.”
Spectrum currently serves 654,000 customers in Alabama and employs more than 1,200 residents in the state.
“I’ve been a longtime advocate to bring reliable internet access to our most rural communities that are often left behind," said State Rep. Paul Lee. "Houston County businesses and residents that have gone without access for too long will soon have Spectrum’s connectivity services available, a true game changer for our rural friends and neighbors.”
“Since joining the Houston County government, I have heard from residents that they need better internet access to work, learn, and connect with family from their homes," said Houston County Chairman Brandon Shoupe. "The state’s latest ARPA grants, along with effective provider partners like Spectrum, will help bridge this access gap once and for all – a big win for Houston County.”
Broadband Speeds up to 1 Gbps, Money-Saving Mobile Options and 85,000 Free On Demand Choices
Spectrum Internet delivers speeds up to 1 Gbps and Advanced WiFi for residential and small business customers, featuring starting speeds of 300 Mbps, with no modem fees, data caps or contracts. Spectrum Business Internet offers customers 1 Gbps download speeds, with 300 Mbps and 600 Mbps options. The company has also begun a network evolution that will provide gigabit upstream speeds and multiple gigabit download speeds across its entire 41-state service area.
Spectrum Internet exceeded advertised download and upload speeds for all tiers measured — even during peak weeknight usage between 7 and 11 p.m. — according to the FCC’s most recent “Measuring Broadband America Fixed Broadband Report” issued in January 2023.
Along with multiple broadband options, Spectrum services now available also include Spectrum Mobile™ and Spectrum TV®. Spectrum Mobile is the nation’s fastest-growing mobile provider** and combines with Spectrum Internet and Advanced WiFi to provide seamless connectivity inside and outside the home. Spectrum Mobile provides customers access to nationwide 5G at great value, with Unlimited lines starting at $29.99 a month, as well as By the Gig options.
Spectrum TV offers more than 270 HD channels and access to 85,000 free On Demand movies and shows. Using the Spectrum TV App — the highest-rated pay TV streaming app in the U.S.*** — viewers can stream content across a growing number of platforms, including Xumo Stream Box, Xumo TV, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Apple TV, Kindle Fire, Xbox, Windows, macOS and Chromecast.
* Based on December 2022 FCC Broadband Data Collection locations.
** Based on Q4 2023 subscriber data among top 3 carriers.
*** iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play) average ratings as of Feb. 1, 2024. Apps must have at least 150k reviews through combination of iOS & Android store reviews as of Feb. 1, 2024.
About Spectrum
Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 32 million customers in 41 states. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.
For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise® provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The company also distributes award-winning news coverage and sports programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.
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